In an effort to bring attention to the importance
of biofuels in Oklahoma and to place increased emphasis on the
production of oil seed crops, the State Senate passed House
Bill 1916 Tuesday. The principal Senate author, Senator Ron
Justice explained the legislation would allow for a tax exemption
on the production of biofuels.

“By running this bill, it helps put emphasis on the Ag
producers in the fact that when they produce these products
and use the oil or the biofuels and then blend those into the
other products, it gives a tax exemption on the amount of fuel
that is blended in, not on the total amount but on the percentage
that’s actually blended in,” said Justice, R-Chickasha.

Justice further noted that the House author Phil Richardson,
R-Minco, and he thought this legislation would provide not only
a tax exemption for producers, but would offer opportunities
for increased research, increased job opportunities, and more
crops for producers to grow.

“The reality is that this legislation is far more reaching
than just the tax exemption itself. It adds to our overall Ag
economy in the State of Oklahoma. That’s why I think it
has some great potential,” said Justice. “Honestly,
right at this point there isn’t a lot of this production,
but if you look around at the interest across the nation and
look at Oklahoma and the opportunities we have here I think
it’s something we need to be out front on and to really
be involved in.”

The measure was amended to add the emphasis on industry. Justice
said he was happy to support the amendment saying that it made
the legislation stronger, because it now not only includes the
agricultural producers, but would provide opportunities for
those industries that utilize such agricultural products. For more information contact:
Senator Justice's Office: (405) 521-5537